Wedge cutting jig

ABSTRACT

A wedge cutting jig including two laterally spaced complementary members each longitudinally extended and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced wedged-shaped recesses along adjacent vertical faces thereof. The wedge-shaped recesses of one member are oppositely disposed from the wedge-shaped recesses of the other member and each pair of oppositely disposed recesses is complementary so as to form a plurality of rectangular openings for holding pre-cut rectangular pieces of wood. A power saw is run between the adjacent first faces cutting each rectangular piece of wood into two wedges which are then deposited into a receptacle through the open bottom of the jig.

United States Patent [15] 3,695,317 Timmers 1451 Oct. 3, 1972 [s41 WEDGE CUTTING JIG [72] Inventor: Edwin F. Timmers, 681 Sims Ave., Prim? Examiner-Andrew Juhasz' St. Paul, Minn. 55106 Filed: Aug. 7, 1970 21 Appl. No.1 62,097

52 us. c1. ..143/51 A, 143/52 A, 144/125 51 Int. Cl. ..B27b 5/00 [58] Field of Search ..l43/8, 9, 10, 12, 25, 36, 37, 143/49 R, 49 A, 49 F, 49 o, 51 R, 51 A, 52 R, 52 A, 59, 169; 144/13, 125, 127

[56] References Cited UNlTED srATEs PATENTS. 3,118,158 l/1964 Harrington et al...143/25 RX 624,753 S/l899 Clubb ..143/10 2,789,596 4/1957 Barnes et al. ..143/8 x 2,581,682 1/1952 McCormick ..'...143/49 A x 2,705,028 3/1955 Johns 143/8 Assistant Examiner-James F. Coan Attorney-Merchant & Gould [57} ABSTRACT A wedge cutting jig including two laterally spaced complementary members each longitudinally extended and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced wedged-shaped recesses along adjacent vertical faces thereof. The wedge-shaped recesses of one member are oppositely disposed from the wedge-shaped recesses of the other member and each pair of 0ppositely disposed recesses is complementary so as to form a plurality of rectangular openings for holding pre-cut rectangular pieces of wood. A power saw is run between the adjacent first faces cutting each rectangular piece of wood into two wedges which are then deposited into a receptacle through the open bottom of the jig.

7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 'l g V V 1: W5 .1 151' '1' I l 3 .9 1145 ll ll 1 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to jig apparatus for holding a substantially rectangular-shaped work piece which is to be cut into wedges.

In many operations, such as in the construction of buildings, shims or wedges are utilized for a great SUMMARY or THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior artby providing a wedge cutting jig which allows a plurality of wedges to be cut in a single operation. This, of course, greatly reduces the time consumed in obtaining wedges and represents a significant improvement over the time-consuming prior art method. Further, the present invention substantially reduces the occurrence of injuries to the wedge cutter.

To obtain the above-mentioned advantages, the

' wedge cutting jig of .the present invention includes first and second complementary members. Each of the members includes a plurality of substantially. planar surfaces extending from a first face thereof toward an oppositely disposed second face and arranged so as to form a plurality of wedged-shaped recesses along the first face of each of the members. The first faces are adjacently positionedso that the wedge-shaped recesses therein complement one another to form a plurality of substantially rectangular openings each of which are suitable for holding a pre-cut rectangular-shaped work piece, (e.g. ,a rectangular-shaped block of wood). A work cutting means (e.g. a power saw) is passed between the first faces of the members thereby cutting each of the rectangular-shaped work pieces into two wedges.

' Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts of the present invention throughout the figures:

FIG. 1 is a top view partially in cross section of .one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the passage of a power saw between the complementary members of the jig;

FIG. 2 is a side view partially in cross section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and further illustrating a receptacle for receiving the cut wedges;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view taken along the section plane 3-3 of FlG l and further illustrates a rectangular block held in position by the jig; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of one member of the wedge cutting jig illustrated in FIG. I.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings and, in particular, to FIGS. 1-3, the wedge cutting jig of the invention, generally designated 10, is shown resting upon a power saw platform 11. Wedge cutting jig includes generally first and second complementary members 12 and 14, respectively; member 12 and 14 extending longitudinally and comprising the two halfs of jig 10. First member 12 has oppositely disposed first and second vertical side faces B and 16, respectively, and oppositely disposed third and fourth horizontal (top and bottom) faces 17 and 18, respectively. Similarly, second member 14 has oppositely disposed first and second vertical side faces 23 and 24; and oppositely disposed third and fourth horizontal (top and bottom) faces 25 and 26. Members 12 and-l4 each have a generally rectangular cross-section along the longitudinal axis thereof.

Member'lZ includes planar surfaces a, 30b, 30c,

- etc. positioned vertically between top and bottom faces 17 and 18, respectively, and angularly extending face second face 16. The angularly extending surfaces form a plurality of right angular wedge-shaped indentations or recesses along first face 15. Similarly, second member 14 has planar surfaces 32a, 32b, 32c, etc. positioned vertically between top and bottom faces 25 and 26, respectively, and angularly extending from first face 23 toward second face 24 so as to form a plurality of right angular wedge-shaped indentations or recesses along first face 23. Each wedge-shaped recess along face 23 is a complemental counterpart to a corresponding wedged-shaped, recess along face 15 of member 12. When faces 15 and 23 are adjacently positioned, complementary pairs of the wedged-shapedrecesses (e.g. the complementary pair of recesses partially formed by planar surfaces 30a and 32a) oppose each other so as to form rectangular-shaped spaces or openings 34a, 34b, 34c, etc. into which are positioned pre-cut rectangular shaped wood blocks 38a, 38b, 38c, etc., respectively. As illustrated, the rectangular shaped openings are of identical size, but it should be understood that the size of the openings-can be varied by varying the dimensions of each complemental pair of wedgeshaped recesses.

First vertical side faces 15 and 23 of members 12 and 14, respectively, are generally open; the wedgedshaped recesses therein being formed substantially continuously along the length thereof. It should be understood, however, that the wedge-shaped recesses in each of the first faces can be longitudinally spaced apart from one another when the overall length of members 12 and 14 is not a critical consideration.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, bottom faces 18 and 26 of members 12 and 14, respectively, extend coextensively with the outwardly directed face of planar surfaces 30a, 30b, 300, etc. and 32a, 32b, 32c, etc. so as to. form recesses or openings in the bottom surfaces, which, when faces 15 and 23 are adjacently positioned, correspond to openings 34a, 34b, 34c, etc. Thus when jig -10 is in its assembled position, the work piece secured by the jig rests on saw platform 11. As the jig is passed beyond platform 1 l, the cut wedges (e.g. wedge 40) fall out of the open bottom of jig 10 and into a receptacle 46.

As shown in the drawings, faces l6, l7 and 18 of member 12 and faces 24, 25 and 26 of member 14 are formed from 34; inch lumber and fastened to one another by either glue, nails, screws or the like. Similarily, planar surfaces 30a, 30b, 30c, etc. and 32a, 32b, 32c, etc. are inch lumber and fastened to the top and bottom surfaces of the respective members by conventional fastening means. Each planar surface is 9% inches in length. The depth of each recess (i.e. the length of a line drawn normal to a planar surface and extending to the respective first face) is 1% inches. A standard 2 X 4 inches board pre-cut to a length of 9% inches will provide a lateral spacing of approximately one-fourth inch between faces 15 and 23 when the blocks are inserted in the rectangular openings and the first faces are adjacently positioned as previously described.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, planar surfaces 30a, 30b, 300, etc. are provided with a roughened surface to facilitate holding the wood block during the cutting thereof. As illustrated, pieces of expanded metal 41a, 41b, 410, etc. can be utilized for this purpose. Similarly, planar surfaces 32a, 32b, 32c, etc. of member 14 are provided with a roughened surface (not shown).

In operation, a pre-cut rectangular-shaped block is positioned in each of the wedge-shaped recesses of first member 12. Second member 14 is then positioned adjacent first member 12 so that the exposed portion of each rectangular block (except the bottom surface thereof) is substantially enclosed by the wedgedshaped recesses of the second member. As previously explained and as illustrated in FIG. 3, each rectangular block has a slightly larger width than the depth of the wedge-shaped recess into which it is inserted in block 12 so as to provide a small spacing between first faces 15 and 23 of the first and second members, respectively, when jig is assembled. Assembled jig 10 is moved along saw platform 11 (by pushing with an appropriate tool on an end piece 42) so that a vertical saw blade 43 passes between first faces and 23 of members 12 and 14, respectively. To facilitate guiding ofjig 10, a fence 44 and feather guide 45 are carried by platform 11. As jig 10 is pushed through saw blade 43, the blade cuts each rectangular block (e.g. block 38e in FIGS. 1 and 2) into two identically shaped wedges. As the jig continues to be pushed toward the right in FIGS. 1 and 2 beyond platform 11, the wedges are deposited in receptacle 46 through the openings in the bottom of the jig. As can be readily seen, the present invention allows a plurality of wedges to be cut in a single operation; i.e., for each time the jig is passed through the saw.

While this invention has been disclosed with particular reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. For example, first and second members 12 and 14, respectively, can be made from a material such as plastic which can be molded to provide the desired wedge-shaped recesses along a face thereof. Also, the length of the first and second members is, of course, variable according to the number of wedges desired from a single operation.

What is claimed is:

1. A wedge-cutting jig, comprising:

a. a first member having generally oppositely disposed first and second faces and a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses in said first face thereof;

b. a second member having generally oppositely disposed first and second faces and a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses in said first face thereof each constructed and arranged to complement a different one of said recesses in said first face of said first member when said first faces are positioned adjacent one another; and

c. said complementary recesses form a plurality of substantially rectangular openings suitable for holding a rectangular-shaped work piece having a slightly larger width than the width of said rectangular openings so as to provide a spacing between said adjacently positioned first faces for allowing a saw blade to pass therebetween.

2. The wedge-cutting jig of claim 1 wherein said wedge-shaped recesses in said first faces of said first and second members are formed by planar surfaces angularly extending from said first face of each of said members toward said second face thereof.

3. The wedge-cutting jig of claim 2 including third and fourth oppositely disposed faces on said first member and third and fourth oppositely disposed faces on said second member wherein:

a. said third and fourth faces of said first member extend from said first face to said second face thereof; and g b. said third and fourth faces of said second member extend from said first face to said second face thereof.

4. The wedge-cutting jig of claim 3 wherein:

a. said first and second faces of each of said members are substantially vertical;

b. said third and fourth faces of each of said members are substantially horizontal; and

c. said planar surfaces are vertically positioned between said third and fourth faces of each of said members.

5. The wedge-cutting jig of claim 4 wherein:

a. said third face of each of said members is positioned above said fourth face thereof; and

b. each of said fourth faces has a recess therein positioned immediately beneath each of said wedgeshaped recesses formed by said planar surfaces and substantially identical in shape thereto.

6. A wedge-cutting jig adapted for use with a generally planar vertically positioned saw blade comprising a pair of longitudinally extended members each disposed on an opposite side of said blade, said members being longitudinally moveable with respect to said blade, said members being laterally spaced to permit movement of said blade between said members, the face of each member adjacent said blade being formed to provide a plurality of adjacent longitudinally spaced recesses opening toward the plane of said blade, each recess being formed in a wedge-shape, the recesses of one member being oppositely disposed from the recesses of the other member; each pair of oppositely disposed recesses being complementary to form a rectangular space suitable for holding a work piece therein, and each of said members including an upper face generally covering each of said wedge-shaped recesses.

7. A wedge-cutting jig, comprising:

a. a first member including generally oppositely disposed first and second vertical faces, a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses in said first face, an

upper .third face and a lower fourth face each extending substantially horizontally from said first face to said second face and a recess in said fourth face immediately beneath each of said wedgeshaped recesses and substantially identical in shape thereto; and

b. a second member including generally oppositely disposed first and second faces, a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses in said first face each constructed and arranged to complement a different one of said recesses in said first face of said first member, an upper third face and a lower fourth 

1. A wedge-cutting jig, comprising: a. a first member having generally oppositely disposed first and second faces and a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses in said first face thereof; b. a second member having generally oppositely disposed first and second faces and a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses in said first face thereof each constructed and arranged to complement a different one of said recesses in said first face of said first member when said first faces are positioned adjacent one another; and c. said complementary recesses form a plurality of substantially rectangular openings suitable for holding a rectangular-shaped work piece having a slightly larger width than the width of said rectangular openings so as to provide a spacing between said adjacently positioned first faces for allowing a saw blade to pass thErebetween.
 2. The wedge-cutting jig of claim 1 wherein said wedge-shaped recesses in said first faces of said first and second members are formed by planar surfaces angularly extending from said first face of each of said members toward said second face thereof.
 3. The wedge-cutting jig of claim 2 including third and fourth oppositely disposed faces on said first member and third and fourth oppositely disposed faces on said second member wherein: a. said third and fourth faces of said first member extend from said first face to said second face thereof; and b. said third and fourth faces of said second member extend from said first face to said second face thereof.
 4. The wedge-cutting jig of claim 3 wherein: a. said first and second faces of each of said members are substantially vertical; b. said third and fourth faces of each of said members are substantially horizontal; and c. said planar surfaces are vertically positioned between said third and fourth faces of each of said members.
 5. The wedge-cutting jig of claim 4 wherein: a. said third face of each of said members is positioned above said fourth face thereof; and b. each of said fourth faces has a recess therein positioned immediately beneath each of said wedge-shaped recesses formed by said planar surfaces and substantially identical in shape thereto.
 6. A wedge-cutting jig adapted for use with a generally planar vertically positioned saw blade comprising a pair of longitudinally extended members each disposed on an opposite side of said blade, said members being longitudinally moveable with respect to said blade, said members being laterally spaced to permit movement of said blade between said members, the face of each member adjacent said blade being formed to provide a plurality of adjacent longitudinally spaced recesses opening toward the plane of said blade, each recess being formed in a wedge-shape, the recesses of one member being oppositely disposed from the recesses of the other member; each pair of oppositely disposed recesses being complementary to form a rectangular space suitable for holding a work piece therein, and each of said members including an upper face generally covering each of said wedge-shaped recesses.
 7. A wedge-cutting jig, comprising: a. a first member including generally oppositely disposed first and second vertical faces, a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses in said first face, an upper third face and a lower fourth face each extending substantially horizontally from said first face to said second face and a recess in said fourth face immediately beneath each of said wedge-shaped recesses and substantially identical in shape thereto; and b. a second member including generally oppositely disposed first and second faces, a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses in said first face each constructed and arranged to complement a different one of said recesses in said first face of said first member, an upper third face and a lower fourth face each extending substantially horizontally from said first face to said second face, and a recess in said fourth face immediately beneath each of said wedge-shaped recesses and substantially identical in shape thereto, said complementary recesses forming a plurality of substantially rectangular openings suitable for holding a rectangular-shaped work piece therein when said first faces are positioned in an adjacent, spatially separated relationship for allowing a generally vertically positioned saw blade to pass therebetween. 